Can Real Sociedad return to Champions League for the first time since 2013? Will Barcelona collect their third consecutive La Liga title? These are questions being asked ahead of La Liga’s return Thursday. Sevilla vs Real Betis will get the season underway and BBC among many other sources will keep you updated on live scores and game news. Today, an in-depth La Liga preview will be presented with league analysis and predictions.
With just 10 games remaining, sides are fighting for either the title, Champions League or survival as battles set to continue over the next month.
Here at ExtraTimeTalk, we have looked at key battles in the league to keep an eye on.
La Liga Preview for Spanish Football’s Return
Barcelona vs Real Madrid for the Title
In previous seasons in the La Liga, the title was mostly fought by two giants – FC Barcelona and Real Madrid. So, it’s no surprise that the 2019/20 season is no different. With only 10 games remaining, the two sides are separated by two points with Barcelona on top.
La Liga Preview: Barca and Madrid’s Fixtures
Barcelona currently has the advantage and are in the driving seat to deliver their third consecutive title. Quique Setien will take his side to Mallorca in their first game since the restart on Saturday, June 13, but will face tougher tests in the weeks ahead. Just a week later, there will travel to 3rd place, Sevilla, and also have to welcome 6th place, Atletico Madrid, later in the month. Barcelona definitely has the tougher run-in and are nowhere near the dominant force they were a couple of years ago. We at ExtraTime Talk have looked at what to expect from Barcelona in the closing games in a previous article.
In the last two games, before the season was suspended, Real Madrid defeated Barcelona 2-0 in the El Clasico. However, they were quickly brought back down to earth when Real Betis surprised them with a 2-1 win. This would have seen them overtake Barcelona. Zidane’s side was having a mixed season before football was cancelled. Manchester City delivered a major blow to Madrid’s Champions League journey and was struggling to beat the lesser teams in La Liga. However, silverware is still accessible and, going by their fixtures, are favourites to return the title back to the Spanish capital.
Real Madrid have two tricky games, but both games are at the Bernabeau. Although, fans have seen that home advantage disappear in behind-closed-doors games. It still gives players and staff that edge over their counterpart. Real will face Valencia in their second game back before welcoming surprise package Getafe in July.
Prediction
Barcelona was struggling ahead of the season being cancelled in March. Now face some tougher tasks in the month ahead. Both teams have been well below part than usual, but many will feel Zidane can carry Real Madrid to their 34th title. So, that is the prediction: Real Madrid to win La Liga, and starting off with a win on their return.
Real Sociedad Fighting to Finish in a La Liga Champions League Spot
The Champions League battle is the place to keep your eye on ahead of La Liga’s return. Five teams still have the opportunity to cement the vacant two places in the quest of securing European football next season.
Sevilla currently leads the pack on 47 points and are in a fairly comfortable position despite Real Sociedad breaking down their neck in 4th on 46 points. Getafe has also continued to knock on the door after just missing out last season in 5th place. Surprisingly, Atletico Madrid has struggled in the league and are currently in 6th place, two points from 3rd. Valencia has a glimmer of hope to try and creep into those Champions League places but will be against the odds with them currently four points away from 4th.
The last two weekends of the La Liga will see Sevilla face Real Sociedad and Valencia with Atletico Madrid also facing Getafe and Sociedad. No side has the easier run-in and either side will have to face one of the five teams in the running.
Prediction
It is hard to see which way this will go. Five teams are only separated by five points with each side will have to face one of the other sides. Leaving this battle up in the air and going right down to the wire. However, the prediction is that Atletico Madrid will cement themselves as the best of the rest and Real Sociedad will secure the final Champions League spot.
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